Your LivTours Syracuse and Noto full day private tour starts with meeting your local guide at an ancient Greek temple at the heart of Syracuse old town. Your private guide will jump right in with stories of what makes this historic center of Syracuse such an extraordinary place to visit, the many remarkable people who came from this land, the tales of Archimedes, the famed mathematician from Syracuse, and the history of Saint Lucia who has a basilica dedicated to her.
The Temple of Apollo, one of the most significant ancient Greek landmarks of the city, dating back to 6BC is spectacular place to start your adventure. Your guide will stroll with you towards the elegant Piazza Duomo, where you will see the Syracuse Cathedral – this baroque treasure has seen many changes through the centuries, starting with its construction in the 7th century, and your private guide will show you how to identify the various architectural styles from these centuries.
Your tour of Syracuse continues to Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, this impressive palace was built during the Middle Ages for the noble Arezzo family. Nowadays, the building bears little resemblance to the original Medieval construction, as it was rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style, a style that has served as inspiration to architects throughout the world. Continuing your tour through the city, your guide will make sure you have time to appreciate one of the most important religious sites – the Basilica of Santa Lucia. Dedicated to the patron Saint Lucia whose remains lay in this very spot, and inspired the famous Italian painter Caravaggio’s Burial of Santa Lucia.
You will enjoy seeing the Fountain of Arethusa, a simple yet stunning work of public art, which is often mentioned throughout literature due to its uniqueness. This natural spring gets its name from a Greek myth in which Arethusa who had escaped from her home in Arcadia under the sea emerges in this very spot.
Just around the corner is the Jewish Quarter, which once comprised a third of the population of Syracuse. Your guide will navigate this labyrinth-like quarter sharing with you the historic architecture which is characterized by charming courtyards with citrus or palm trees.
You and your guide will meet your private chauffeured car to visit the natural wonders that Syracuse offers, including a visit to the Neapolis Archeological Park of Syracuse where you will enjoy priority access to this stunning historical gem. The Greek Theater, dating back to the 5th century BC, is the star of the show. If you are visiting in the spring or summer, look out for evening performances in this still active venue. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular sea view, the same view which was once cherished by over 15,000 spectators in its heyday.
Next, it is off to see the Ear of Dionysius, whose name was coined by Caravaggio. Your guide will entertain you with the legends surrounding this limestone cave, including the popular belief that Dionysius had the cave made in such a way that it would echo allowing them to spy on prisoners.
After you have explored the highlights of Syracuse with your private guide, you will have some free time to enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch (not included in the price).
After a delicious local lunch, you and your private guide will meet your chauffeured car that will whisk you to Noto, a breathtaking city at the foot of the Iblean Mountains and known as the capital of baroque architecture. One of your first stops will be the orlante Palazzo Nicolaci, whose facade will give you insight into what life was like for the 18th century Sicilian nobility. Afterwards, you will enjoy a look around the glorious architecture of the Church of Montevergine, also known as San Girolamo after the famed religious scholar. Standing next to each other, this is the perfect moment to compare the two buildings, both of which are Sicilian baroque buildings.
A pleasant walk through this charming city will take you to Piazza XVI Maggio where your guide will show you the Church of San Domenico and the Fountain of Hercules. Now that you have spent the day learning about the culture and history of these two gorgeous baroque Sicilian cities, it is time for one last treat, a delicious and cool typical Sicilian sweet at the Caffe Sicilia which has been serving locals since 1892!
